Is Copilot Free or Paid? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer, as with many things in the tech world, is it depends. “Copilot” isn’t a single, monolithic entity. Several AI-powered assistants exist under the “Copilot” banner, and their pricing models vary significantly. Some offer free tiers, while others require a paid subscription, and still others have a free trial period before requiring payment. To get a clear understanding, we need to delve into the specifics of each “Copilot” offering, most notably GitHub Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Dissecting the Copilot Landscape: Which One Are You Asking About?
The term “Copilot” has become synonymous with AI-powered assistance, but it’s crucial to understand the specific product you’re interested in. There are several different AI-powered assistants using the Copilot name, and the pricing for each varies. Two of the most popular are:
- GitHub Copilot: Designed primarily for developers, assisting with code completion, bug detection, and code suggestions within coding environments such as Visual Studio.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot: Aimed at enterprise users, integrating with Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.
- Microsoft Sales Copilot: This tool is designed to help sales professionals by automating tasks, providing insights, and assisting with customer relationship management.
- Copilot in Windows 11: A free AI assistant built directly into the Windows 11 operating system. This version brings the power of AI to your desktop for everyday tasks.
GitHub Copilot: The Developer’s AI Companion
GitHub Copilot is a powerful AI-powered code completion tool.
Pricing Structure for GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot operates on a subscription basis. The GitHub Copilot Individual plan is generally available to developers for a monthly or yearly fee. If you choose a monthly billing cycle, you’ll be billed approximately $10 USD per calendar month. Alternatively, you can opt for a yearly billing cycle at around $100 USD per year.
Free Trial and Educational Access
A one-time 30-day free trial is available for those who aren’t students, teachers, or maintainers of popular open-source projects. Verified students and maintainers of popular open source projects on GitHub may be eligible for free access.
GitHub Copilot for Business
If you’re considering GitHub Copilot for your organization, the GitHub Copilot for Business subscription is billed at approximately $19 USD per user per month.
Microsoft 365 Copilot: The Enterprise Productivity Booster
Microsoft 365 Copilot brings AI capabilities to a suite of productivity apps.
Subscription Cost and Availability
Microsoft 365 Copilot comes at a cost of $30 per user per month, exclusively for enterprise customers using specific Microsoft 365 plans (E3, E5, Business Standard, and Business Premium). To use Microsoft 365 Copilot, a company needs to have one of these subscription plans.
Prerequisites for Access
Keep in mind that Microsoft 365 Copilot necessitates specific Microsoft 365 subscriptions and may require a minimum purchase of 300 seats for certain channels.
The Bottom Line
While some forms of Copilot offer free trials or free access to specific user groups (like students or open-source maintainers), the full-fledged, feature-rich versions generally require a paid subscription. Always verify the pricing and availability based on your specific needs and the Copilot product you intend to use.
FAQs: Demystifying Copilot Pricing and Access
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the pricing and accessibility of the various Copilot offerings:
1. Can I use Copilot for free?
Yes, some Copilot versions offer a limited free trial. GitHub Copilot offers a 30-day free trial for users who are not students, teachers, or maintainers of popular open-source projects. Microsoft Sales Copilot also provides a 30-day free trial. Additionally, GitHub Copilot is free for verified students and maintainers of popular open-source projects on GitHub.
2. Is Microsoft Copilot free to use?
It depends. Copilot in Windows 11 is free. Microsoft 365 Copilot, however, is a paid service for enterprise customers.
3. How much does GitHub Copilot cost?
GitHub Copilot Individual costs approximately $10 USD per month or $100 USD per year. GitHub Copilot for Business is priced at around $19 USD per user per month.
4. Is Copilot included in Office 365?
No, Copilot is not automatically included in Office 365 subscriptions. It’s an add-on that requires a separate subscription.
5. Is Microsoft Copilot available now?
Yes, Copilot in Windows 11 is available, and Microsoft 365 Copilot is generally available for enterprise customers as of November 1, 2023.
6. Is Copilot free with Microsoft 365?
No, Microsoft Copilot is not free with Microsoft 365. It requires a separate subscription for enterprise users.
7. How do I activate Copilot in Microsoft 365?
You can enable Copilot within the Sales Hub app. Navigate to the App Settings under the Change area and select Copilot. From there, you can initiate the setup process.
8. How do I get Copilot for Office 365?
You can obtain Microsoft 365 Copilot by subscribing to it if you have a qualifying Microsoft 365 plan, like E3, E5, Business Standard, or Business Premium. The cost is approximately $30 per user per month.
9. Is Copilot better than ChatGPT?
Copilot is designed for quick, tactical tasks and specific integrations within Microsoft products. ChatGPT is better for broader, more general tasks. The “better” tool depends on your specific needs. You can find additional research on learning and technology in the Games Learning Society. Visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
10. How long is the Microsoft Sales Copilot free trial?
Microsoft Sales Copilot offers a 30-day free trial.
11. How much is Microsoft 365 Copilot?
Microsoft 365 Copilot costs approximately $30 per user per month for an annual commitment.
12. When can I use Microsoft 365 Copilot?
Microsoft 365 Copilot became generally available for enterprise customers on November 1, 2023. Some users may be able to take advantage of the M365 Copilot features starting in December 2023.
13. Which Windows version has Copilot?
Copilot in Windows is available only on Windows 11.
14. How do I get Copilot on Windows 11?
By default, you should find a Copilot button on the taskbar. If it’s missing, check your Taskbar settings to enable it. You can also use the Win+C keyboard shortcut.
15. How do I turn on Copilot on Microsoft?
Once Copilot is available on your Windows device, click the Copilot button on the taskbar or press Win + C on your keyboard to launch it. You can disable it in the Taskbar settings.